Recharging the Batteries + FBOFW

Generally, I'm a huge multitasker. I watch TV while working on my laptop and eating and folding laundry all at the same time. But every so often, I crave doing nothing. You know what I'm talking about. The lounge around, watch TV, curl up with a book, eat whatever whenever doing NOTHING. These last four days were a perfect time to recharge my batteries. After a couple months of living in a new place and getting into a new routine, it was definitely time for some relaxation, and I was in need of some quality time with my college friends, or FBOFW as we refer to ourselves (The short story: Miami students are known for naming their off-campus houses and we named ours For Better or For Worse. Hence, FBOFW).

Photobooth photo credit goes to SPROUTsquared Photography.

Leah, Susan, Lindsey and Nicole. These girls are the loves of my life. I can't imagine going through college--or life, really--without them. Even though we live literally all around the world now (Lindsey's our international girl), when we get together we pick up like we just saw each other yesterday.

I won't go into all the weird jokes, embarrassing stories or hilarious memories we share, but I WILL share a couple pictures that probably sum up our love for each other.

Oh yes, we have pictures in an "Autumna" photo booth. Many actually. We're so weird. :) (P.S. That's Susan on a stick up there. Can't leave anyone out!)

Oh, the jumping picture. We're so good at it.

We missed you, Leah!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate."—Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet

Nathan and I are spending our first holiday together in Indiana at the Baldwin house. Even though I miss my family, I'm counting my blessings this Thanksgiving:

God and our new church My husband Family, near and far Friends, old and new Our new city Two jobs that I love The new house! Good books Warm pets (I'm typing this post with one hand because I have a cat on my laptop) The opportunity to travel Pumpkin chocolate chip bread ...and YOU! I'm definitely thankful for you.

Dear Amanda.

Dear Amanda, THANK YOU. Thank you for everything. You have no idea how much you’ve touched my life and how eternally grateful I’ll be for all you’ve taught me.

Back in 2009, I was this photographer wannabe who had no idea how to make my camera do the things I admired in other photographers’ photos, including yours. I watched (really creeped :)) from the sidelines until you posted that blog about needing an intern. I knew it had to be me.

After the oh-so-awful first impression I made by showing up LATE to that first wedding, I was sure you would never choose me. But you did. Somehow you saw past that mistake. For some reason, you gave me another chance. I say that’s God’s work right there!

And don’t worry. I soaked it all in. I didn’t take it for granted. I hope you know that I look up to you and aim to be like you as a business owner, photographer, and woman in general. Whether you want to be or not, you’re my mentor!

For every wedding you let me second shoot, for every lesson you taught, for every joke you shared, I will truly be indebted.

I miss you but know that this friendship will continue (mostly because I’ll be calling you for advice every other day ). Thank you for everything, Amanda!

Love, Lane

My "Little" Brother.

When I did a campus tour at Miami University (my alma mater) back when I was in high school, my family came with me to get a feel for the college. After touring some classrooms, stopping by a dining hall and checking out the football stadium, our tour guide turned to my family, looked right at my younger brother, Barry, and said, "So, when do you graduate?" Yes, that's right, our college-aged tour guide asked my middle school-aged brother when he was graduating from high school and coming to Miami. I was embarrassed but completely used to being mistaken for the younger sibling.

At 16 years old, I looked like I was about 10, and my 12-year-old brother was taller than me. And at 26, my 22-year-old brother is A LOT taller than me.

Photo credit goes to my cousin Cheryl.

I don't know how it happened but Barry is a foot and a half taller than me. And he puts it to good use. He plays professional basketball in Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic. Cool, right?! With any luck, my family and I will be visiting Madeira at the beginning of next year to see my YOUNGER brother play basketball overseas.

After 22 years of watching my brother succeed at his game, I have to say I'm OK with being the shorter sibling. I'm so proud of the way Barry handles himself on and off the court, and I'm especially proud of the courage he has to follow his dreams.

Plus, I never have to worry about reaching for stuff on the top shelf cause he gets it for me. :)

This was right after Barry's college basketball team, West Liberty, won their conference tournament last year. The guys went on to the NCAA DII Final Four in Springfield, Mass.